Golden Analysis: AFC South

The AFC South has been one of the weakest divisions in the league in recent years. However, all four teams have improved drastically this offseason, and this division has the potential to be very strong in the near future.

In 2015, the Houston Texans won the division with one of the league’s top defenses. They were held back by their lackluster offense, and in the wild card round of the playoffs, it showed. They lost 30-0 to the Kansas City Chiefs. They spent the offseason revamping their offense with players like quarterback Brock Osweiler, running back Lamar Miller, and wide receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller. Houston’s offense could be very scary if all goes well.

Indianapolis Colts finished second in the division last year. Their Super Bowl aspirations were derailed when QB Andrew Luck was injured. Luck played in only seven regular season games. The Colts made it their priority to bolster their offensive line. Indy should be contending for the division title this season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars finished third in the division in 2015. However, they should be in the hunt for a division title with their improved defense. The Jaguars drafted defensive back Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack, and while Ramsey could miss some time with an injury, both rookies have the talent to make a big impact. In 2015, defensive end Dante Fowler, who was the Jags’ first round pick, missed the entire season with an injury, and defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks missed 12 games with an injury. With Ramsey, Jack, Fowler, Marks, and recently signed defensive lineman Malik Jackson, it’s likely that the Jaguars will be contending for a playoff berth.

While the rookies haven’t hit the field yet, the Tennessee Titans’ draft class looks very strong. They are building around QB Marcus Mariota, and have the potential to push for a playoff berth this fall.

I expect that the race for the AFC South title will be very tight in December. All four teams have the talent to make the playoffs.